Edwardsville reloads for new season

The beat goes on for the Edwardsville boys tennis team.

The Tigers had another outstanding season in 2009, winning their eighth consecutive sectional championship and ninth straight Southwestern Conference title. They also won the 32-team Edwardsville Tournament, defeating Naperville Central, Belleville East and Belleville West along the way.

Tigers coach Dave Lipe is looking to continue the strong tradition this spring as he returns four players from his six-player sectional lineup, including senior Jordan Leskera.

Leskera, who has committed to West Pointe, was the No. 1 singles player for Edwardsville last year. He teamed with younger brother, Justin, in doubles at state. They won their first three matches at the state tournament.

“Jordan is a serious athlete who is a tenacious and aggressive tennis player,” Lipe said. “He serves big and strong, he plays big and strong and he is big and strong.”

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Justin, a sophomore, returns after playing at the No. 5 spot for most of his freshman season.

Kirk Schlueter is the other returning senior from the starting sectional lineup. He was a dominant No. 3 singles player last year for the Tigers, winning the conference tournament at that spot and also at No. 2 doubles. Schlueter also played doubles at state with James McCommas, who is not playing tennis this spring. They had a couple of wins at the state tournament.

Sophomore Cameron Randall is the other returning starter. He won the conference tournament at No. 6 singles last year.

There is some good competition for the vacated spots in the lineup. Seniors Kyle Webb, Dan Brandenburg, Tim Buescher and Joe Kovarik are among those looking to get into the top six.

“These guys have stuck around, worked hard and are getting their chance to contribute as seniors,” Lipe said. “We certainly do have a lot of depth. I could probably go down to our 15th guy and he would not embarrass himself in a varsity match.”

Lipe loves the senior leadership that veterans like Jordan Leskera and Schlueter have shown. He is also thrilled with his coaching staff of Bob Meyers, Paul Stuart and Daryl Hall.

“Are we going to be as good as we were last year?” Lipe asked. “I don’t know. But I am confident that this is a team which will be very competitive in our conference and has a chance to compete well at the state level.”

The Tigers open their season March 20 in the Triad Tournament.

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